Self-locking commode apparatus

ABSTRACT

A self-locking commode incorporating a base mounting plate being affixed to the flooring surface and having at least one interlocking mechanism attached thereon and a commode being received by the interlocking mechanism of the base mounting plate. Preferably, a base of the commode includes a foot recess and a lug recess capable of respectively accepting a foot and a locking lug attached to the base mounting plate.  
     An alternative embodiment is to insert a secondary mounting plate between the base mounting plate and the base pedestal of the commode. Here, the interlocking mechanism securingly locks the secondary mounting plate in place and has a hook positioned therein to lock lips of the base of the commode thereto.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a supporting structure for atoilet bowl. More particularly, it relates to a base mounting plateincorporating at least one locking mechanism being engaged to a base ofthe toilet bowl thereon.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Commodes have been known in the prior art for hundreds of years.Specifically, a standard base of a toilet has been rigidly anchored tothe floor through the use of bolts, screws and the like. As the toiletevolved, it began to include the conventional practice of employing afloor flange being adapted to be secured in relation with a drainagepipe. Originally, the flange was anchored to the floor and a lead pipewas inserted and hammered out to conform to a bevel on a flange,typically a brass flange. Additional adaptations of the flange includeda stamped steel flange with PVC center insert and a one-piece PVC flangewith a center pipe section incorporated. All of the aforementionedflanges adapt to a standard circular design of the flange having slotsfor “T” bolts to anchor the toilet and screw holes to anchor the flangeto the floor. Typical screw holes in the flange are positioned withinone-half inch from the opening which allows the down pipe to projectinto the floor. Here, the flange typically had an inner sleeve-likemember being connected to the upper end of the drainage pipe and bondedto the pipe with a solvent or solder. Further, movement of the flange orthe toilet make the wax seal susceptible to leakage caused by settlingof the floors, faulty installations or the gradual hardening of the waxthrough use thereby resulting in damage. Traditionally, the result waswet, odorous, rotted floors, not to mention water damage to ceilingswhere second floor installations were present.

[0003] In order to eliminate these damaging results to both theresidential and commercial sectors, the toilet underwent numerousstructural redesigns. Here, a floor plate was introduced into a flooringstructure, namely by pouring flooring concrete around the plate, inorder to provide further stability for the toilet and eliminate anyrocking movements that may occur due to an uneven flooring surface. Someexamples of various floor plate usage are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos.712,022; 1,061,632; and 2,488,816.

[0004] More particularly, U.S. Pat. No. 1,060,570 issued to Moore in1913 described a floor plate being secured to a drainage pipe and beingprovided with a flange extending upwardly within the flange of thetoilet bowl. The floor plate included outwardly extending portionsprojecting over inwardly extending portions of the flange of the bowl.However, the '570 patent does not include interlocking mechanisms on thefloor plate that can be disconnected from the base of the pedestal inthe event the commode needed to be replaced. Here, the '570 patent onlyprovides for inwardly extending portions which fail to disconnect fromthe base of the commode without causing damage to the plate itself.Moreover, the '570 patent failed to provide for a recess where at leastone gasket is positioned therein. Further, a seal is not positionedbetween a base mounting plate and the base of the toilet.

[0005] In view of the above described deficiencies associated with theuse of conventional commodes, the present invention has been developedto alleviate these drawbacks and provide further benefits to the user.These enhancements and benefits are described in greater detail hereinbelow with respect to alternative embodiments of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Disclosed herein is a self-locking commode apparatus including abase mounting plate and a commode. The base mounting plate is mounted toa flooring surface by fasteners and collectively includes a recess andinterlocking mechanisms thereon. The purpose of the base mounting plateis to provide constant levelling for the commode apparatus therebypreventing any rocking or twisting movements. The recess is coupled to aflanged head pipe by a seal. The interlocking mechanisms are preferablypositioned on opposing ends of the base mounting plate. In a preferredembodiment, the base mounting plate has a locking lug fastened on aforward end of the plate and a foot attached to a rear end.

[0007] The commode includes a bowl connected to a base pedestal havingrecesses respectively formed within a rear end and a forward end of thebase pedestal. In a preferred embodiment, a first recess may be adaptedto engage the foot of the base mounting plate thereto and a secondrecess is designed to accept the locking lug. The base pedestalincorporates a gasket connected thereto and adapted to be accepted bythe recess of the base mounting plate.

[0008] An alternative embodiment of the self-locking commode apparatusincorporates a secondary mounting plate positioned between the basemounting plate and the base pedestal. The base mounting plateincorporates interlocking mechanisms perpendicularly attached thereon.The secondary mounting plate is positioned upon the base mounting plateand locked between each interlocking mechanism. Here, the advantage ofthis embodiment is to provide the secondary mounting plate allowingstability and render the present invention even more capable of beingretrofitted to any existing commode.

[0009] Further, lips, curvilinearly extending from the base pedestal ofthe commode, surround an outer portion of each interlocking mechanismand rest upon projected recesses of the base mounting plate. The basepedestal has at least one elongate aperture adapted to receive afastener capable of being inserted therein. A cap may be utilized tocover each elongate aperture bored within the base pedestal.

[0010] An advantage of the present invention is to provide aself-locking toilet apparatus that neither requires bolting down thebase pedestal of the toilet directly to the floor nor does it requireplacing a mounting plate into a flooring structure before the actualconcrete to the floor is poured. Instead, the present invention allowsfor the base pedestal to be mounted onto and securingly locked to anindependent base mounting plate by utilizing interlocking mechanisms.These interlocking mechanisms not only fasten the base pedestal to thebase mounting plate, but also help prevent any type of rocking motion auser may experience or rotation of the commode both of which can causefailure of the wax seal. As a result, the present invention is capableof being quickly and easily installed in position.

[0011] Another benefit of the present invention is to provide a sealbetween the base pedestal and the base mounting plate. This seal helpsprevent any leakage stemming from within the commode apparatus. However,if a leak does occur, the seal will not hide the water from within theapparatus; instead, the water will be directed into the clearance areanotifying a user of a plumbing problem. In this situation, the leak willprimarily sit on top of the base mounting plate, thus preventing arotting effect to the floor's surface.

[0012] In the event a leak within the commode occurs, the base pedestalcan easily be disconnected from the base mounting plate by removing thebase pedestal away from the interlocking mechanisms. Moreover, if theseal of the base mounting plate is structurally compromised, the commodemay simply be disconnected from the base mounting plate by raising thefront of the bowl to release the locking lug from the recess in the baseof the toilet bowl. As a result, the commode, as well as the basemounting plate, are easily replaceable while either minimizing oractually foregoing damage caused to the integrity of the floor structuredue to seal failure of the present technology. Moreover, when theexisting floor is damaged by rot, the base mounting plate can be placedover the damage.

[0013] Further, the present invention can substantially eliminaterenovation costs since the present invention is capable of beingretrofitted and/or mounted onto existing floors in order to accommodateexisting commercial or residential plumbing situations. Anotheradvantage is to provide an invention that is easy and inexpensive tomanufacture.

[0014] Numerous objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent as the following detailed description of the preferredembodiments are read in conjunction with the drawings which illustratethe same. The specific structures through which these benefits aredelivered will be described in detail herein below. In view of the abovedescribed deficiencies associated with the use of conventional commodes,the present invention has been developed to alleviate these drawbacksand provide further benefits to the user. These enhancements andbenefits are described in greater detail herein below with respect toalternative embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The invention will now be described in greater detail in thefollowing way of example only and with reference to the attacheddrawings, in which:

[0016]FIG. 1 is an exploded side view of a self-locking commodeapparatus and its corresponding base mounting plate.

[0017]FIG. 2 is a side view of the base of the commode being engaged tothe base mounting plate.

[0018]FIG. 3 is a front exploded view of an alternative embodimentincorporating a secondary mounting plate.

[0019]FIG. 4 is a front view of the alternative embodiment where thesecondary mounting plate is assembled between the base mounting plateand the commode apparatus.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0020] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention aredisclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosedembodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodiedin various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily toscale, some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details ofparticular components. Therefore, specific structural and functionaldetails disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, butmerely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis forteaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the presentinvention.

[0021] Furthermore, elements may be recited as being “coupled”; thisterminology's use contemplates elements being connected together in sucha way that there may be other components interstitially located betweenthe specified elements, and that the elements so specified may beconnected in fixed or movable relation one to the other. The term“coupled” should be contrasted with the use of the terminology “direct”connection which designates a relationship or joinder that does not haveother components interstitially located there between, but thecomponents may be fixed or movable with respect to one another. Certaincomponents may be described as being “adjacent” to one another. In theseinstances, it is expected that a relationship so characterized shall beinterpreted to mean that the components are located proximate to oneanother, but not necessarily in contact with each other. Normally,however, there will be an absence of other components positionedtherebetween, but this is not a requirement. Still further, somestructural relationships or orientations may be designated with the word“substantially”. In those cases, it is meant that the relationship ororientation is as described, with allowances for variations that do noteffect the cooperation of the described component or components.

[0022]FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a self-locking commode apparatus 50incorporating a commode 30 being mounted onto a base mounting plate 2.The base mounting plate 2 is operatively engaged in a stationaryposition to a flooring surface (not shown) by fasteners (not shown). Thefasteners (not shown) may include screws, bolts or pins which areinserted into and through a plurality of apertures 5 bored within thebase mounting plate 2 and terminating within the flooring surface (notshown). Operatively speaking, nylon bolts are the preferred fasteners inorder to prevent rusting and pivoting of the base mounting plate 2 whencoupled to the commode apparatus 50.

[0023] Specifically, the base mounting plate 2 collectively includes arecess 7 positioned therein and interlocking mechanisms 18, 20 beingorthogonally attached thereon. Preferably, the recess 7 is centrallylocated within the base mounting plate 2. The recess 7 is fittinglycoupled to a flanged head pipe 16 by a seal 23 and downwardly leads to adrain pipe 28 being connected thereto. Gaskets 10, preferably made ofrubber, PVC, or any other inexpensive and durable material, create aclearance area 59 between the base mounting plate 2 and a base pedestal39 of the commode 30. In the event that the seal 23 breaks away from theflanged head pipe 16, water stored within the commode 30 will bedirected to and stored within the clearance area 59 alerting a user of aleak within the apparatus 50.

[0024] The interlocking mechanisms 18, 20 may be in the form of lockinglugs, feet or any other device designed to attach an apparatus thereto.Specifically, FIG. 2 depicts these mechanisms 18,20 being preferablypositioned on opposing ends of the base mounting plate 2. In a preferredembodiment, one of the mechanisms 20 is a locking lug 20 rigidlyfastened on a forward end of the plate 2 and the remaining mechanism 18is a foot 18 operatively attached to a rear end of the plate 2. Analternative embodiment is to position the locking lug 20 on a first sideof the base mounting plate 2 and attach the foot 18 on a second side ofthe base mounting plate 2.

[0025] The commode 50 includes the base pedestal 39 attached underneatha bowl 30 having recesses 14, 15 respectively formed within a rear endand a forward end of the base pedestal 39. In particular, recess 14 isadapted to engage the foot 18 of the base mounting plate 2 thereto andrecess 15 is designed to securingly accept the lug 20 in a fixedposition in order to prevent an unnecessary rocking motion of thecommode 30. Preferably, the locking lug 20 and the foot 18 are four (4)inches in width in order to provide stability to the commode 50 once thebase pedestal 39 is locked in place. The base pedestal 39, incorporatingthe gaskets 10 connected thereto, is adapted to be accepted by therecess 7 of the base mounting plate 2. A passageway 55, leading from thebowl 31 to the base pedestal 39, terminates in the recess 7 of the basemounting plate 2.

[0026]FIGS. 3 and 4 show an alternative embodiment of the base pedestal39 incorporating a secondary mounting plate 52 being positioned betweenthe base mounting plate 2 and the base pedestal 39. Similar to theabovementioned embodiment, the recess 7 of the base mounting plate 2,preferably positioned in a central manner, is fittingly coupled to theflanged head pipe 16 preferably by a seal 23 and downwardly leading tothe drain pipe 28 being connected thereto. The base mounting plate 2incorporates interlocking mechanisms 19 perpendicularly attached thereonand positioned on opposing ends of the base mounting plate 2. Further,recesses 60, 61 outwardly extend from each opposing end of the basemounting plate 2.

[0027] The secondary mounting plate 52 is operatively positioned uponthe base mounting plate 2 and securingly locked between eachinterlocking mechanism 19. In operation, a screwdriver or other tool isused to push the secondary mounting plate 52 to be adjacently connectedto the base mounting plate 2. An aperture is centrally located throughthe secondary mounting plate 52 to correspond to the recess 7 of thebase mounting plate 2. Gaskets 10 are positioned between the secondarymounting plate 52 downwardly terminating within the drain pipe 28 beingconnected thereto. The secondary mounting plate 52 has at least oneaperture adapted to receive a fastener 49, preferably a nylon pin,therein. In a preferred embodiment, the secondary mounting plate 52 hastwo fasteners, each fastener 49 located at an opposing end of thesecondary mounting plate 52.

[0028] The base pedestal 39 of the commode 30 has two ends, each forminga lip 33 having a curvilinear configuration. Each lip 33 surrounds anouter portion of each interlocking mechanism 19 and rests upon theprojected recesses 60, 61 of the base mounting plate 2. The basepedestal 39 has at least one elongate aperture adapted to receive eachfastener 49 capable of being inserted therein. In a preferredembodiment, the base pedestal 39 includes two elongate apertures locatedat opposing ends of the pedestal 39. A cap 44 may be utilized to coverthe heads of each fastener 49. Each cap 44 may be made of rubber,plastic or other materials that are lightweight and inexpensive.Alternatively, each cap 44 may be made of porcelain or other materialsthat add an aesthetic appeal to the base pedestal 39 of the commode 30.

[0029] In the event a leak occurs where removal of the commode apparatus50 is required, a user or other repair person is capable of inserting abar between the projected recess 60 or 61 and the lip 33 portion. Thebar will allow the commode apparatus 50 to be safely separated from thebase mounting plate 2.

[0030] Although the present invention has been described and illustratedin detail, it is to be clearly understood that the same is by way ofillustration and example only, and is not to be taken as a limitation.The spirit and scope of the present invention are to be limited only bythe terms of the claims below.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0031] The present invention finds specific applicability in theplumbing fixture industries; particularly, with respect to toilet bowlsand pedestal lavatories.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is asfollows:
 1. A self-locking commode apparatus comprising: a base mountingplate affixed to a flooring surface, said base mounting plate comprisingat least one interlocking mechanism attached thereon and a recesspositioned therein and downwardly leading to a drain pipe; and a commodehaving a bowl and a base pedestal, said base pedestal being attachedunderneath said bowl and being interlockingly received by said at leastone interlocking mechanism of said base mounting plate.
 2. Theself-locking commode apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said basemounting plate has a plurality of apertures located therein.
 3. Theself-locking commode apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein saidinterlocking mechanism is a foot rearwardly positioned on said basemounting plate.
 4. The self-locking commode apparatus as recited inclaim 1, wherein said interlocking mechanism is a lug forwardly locatedon said base mounting plate.
 5. The self-locking commode apparatus asrecited in claim 4, wherein said base pedestal has a recess adapted toaccept said lug.
 6. The self-locking commode apparatus as recited inclaim 3, wherein said base pedestal has a recess adapted to accept saidfoot.
 7. The self-locking commode apparatus as recited in claim 1,wherein said base pedestal has a gasket being received by said recess ofsaid base mounting plate.
 8. The self-locking commode apparatus asrecited in claim 1, wherein said recess of said base mounting plate issealingly engaged to a head pipe.
 9. A self-locking commode apparatuscomprising: a base mounting plate affixed to a flooring surface, saidbase mounting plate comprising at least one interlocking mechanismattached thereon and a recess positioned therein and downwardly leadingto a drain pipe; a secondary mounting plate positioned upon and attachedto said base mounting plate; and a commode having a bowl and a basepedestal, said base being attached underneath said bowl and beingaffixed to said secondary mounting plate.
 10. The self-locking commodeapparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein said secondary mounting platehas at least one aperture adapted to receive a fastener therein.
 11. Theself-locking commode apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein said basepedestal has at least one elongate aperture capable of receiving afastener therein.
 12. The self-locking commode apparatus as recited inclaim 9, wherein said interlocking mechanism has a hook telescopicallyinserted therein.
 13. The self-locking commode apparatus as recited inclaim 9, further comprising a seal positioned between said base and saidsecondary mounting plate.
 14. The self-locking commode apparatus asrecited in claim 13, wherein said seal terminates within said drainpipe.
 15. The self-locking commode apparatus as recited in claim 9,wherein said base pedestal forms a lip at each end of said base.
 16. Theself-locking commode apparatus as recited in claim 11, furthercomprising a cap positioned on said base covering said elongateaperture.
 17. The self-locking commode apparatus as recited in claim 9,wherein said base mounting plate has a plurality of apertures locatedtherein.
 18. The self-locking commode apparatus as recited in claim 9,wherein said base pedestal has a gasket being received by said recess ofsaid base mounting plate.
 19. The self-locking commode apparatus asrecited in claim 9, wherein said recess of said base mounting plate issealingly engaged to a head pipe.
 20. The self-locking commode apparatusas recited in claim 1, wherein said interlocking mechanisms arepositioned on opposing sides of said base mounting plate.
 21. Theself-locking commode apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein saidinterlocking mechanisms are positioned on opposing sides of said basemounting plate.